Number 06 │ A Leverage Fanfiction

The Stork Job │ Part 2

<Next Day>

I hummed softly, tapping my finger on the steering wheel as I made my way to the address on the card Irina had given Eliot. The mansion loomed in front of me, its grandeur matching the over-the-top expectations that came with it.

Taking advantage of orphaned kids sure does pay well.

I slowed as I approached the gate, rolling down the window and addressing the security guard. "Uh, yeah, I'm with the movie staff, here to pick up Ms. Irina Lorenko?"

The security guard didn't respond immediately, just gave me a cool once-over before buzzing the gate open.

I shrugged and kept driving, the gates slowly creaking shut behind me.

Pulling up to the grand front door, I saw Irina standing on the steps, practically glowing with excitement.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Lorenko," I greeted with a friendly smile. "I'm here to drive you to your audition."

Her eyes sparkled with eager anticipation. "Yes, yes, let's go!" she practically bounced on her heels.

I got out, opened the door for her, and after a quick nod, shut it gently behind her. Slipping into the driver's seat, I started the car, pulling away smoothly

<>

I guided Irina through the movie set, one that the team had set up in record time—less than a day, but I suppose when you're as good as we are, anything is possible.

I spotted Eliot in the crowd and waved him over. Irina's eyes were wide, scanning the set in awe and excitement, completely taken in by the high-energy atmosphere.

Eliot flashed a grin as he approached, he turned to Irina with a smooth tone, "I'm lucky to have you on such short notice." He took a paper from one of the crew members, then glanced at it and back at her. "Zhavaliti. Is that right? Zhavaliti? Thank you? See? Yeah? No? Welcome to the set."

Hardison's voice rang out from behind us, "Fire in the hole!"

A massive explosion of flames erupted in the distance, sending a burst of heat and light across the set. Irina flinched slightly but seemed to enjoy the spectacle.

Eliot turned to her with a grin. "Yeah, it's exciting, isn't it?"

Irina, still wide-eyed, nodded enthusiastically. "Yes."

Eliot leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as he added, "That guy's our special-effects guy. He ain't all there." He gestured casually towards the explosion.

Sound Stage

Nate stood with the costume woman, his frustration barely contained as he inspected a couple of shirts. "What? You're showing me a couple of shirts. I don't know what -- Dale? Dale? What -- what is this?"

Eliot stepped in with a firm tone. "Jack!" He turned to the costume woman. "Not now, sweetheart. What did I say last time?" Then he shifted his focus to Nate, "Listen, Irina Larenko. What do you got?"

"This is Jack Lindsey, he's the director." Eliot gestured towards Nate as he introduced the director.

Nate raised an eyebrow and gestured to Irina, who stood before him, eager for feedback. "Ah. Let me see what you got. Uh-huh! Let me see what you got. The other way."

Irina complied, twirling, her laughter ringing out as she spun around.

Nate nodded, clearly pleased, "Yeah. Good laugh. Good, good laugh. Okay."

Eliot grinned, laughing along with her. "What'd I tell you? What do you think? Perfect. I'm thinking... the mother."

Nate shook his head, "No. No, no, no, no. You know what I'm thinking? The mother!"